Sponsored content |
|||||
|
as the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Center™ designation, has successfully completed the expansion of its hidden disability and autism-inclusive training programme. This initiative equipped 45,000 employees – across the wider airport community, including partners and stakeholders – with the skills to better support hidden disabilities including autistic and sensory-sensitive travellers navigating both DXB and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International( DWC).
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said:“ We are proud to support Dubai’ s journey towards becoming a Certified Autism Destination. As the first and last impression of the city for millions of travellers, we embrace our responsibility to create a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment for all. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every guest, regardless of their needs, enjoys a seamless and supportive travel experience at DXB. Through our oneDXB community, we continue to work closely with our stakeholders across the airports to enhance accessibility, provide specialised training for frontline teams, and design environments that are supportive of people of determination, including those with hidden disabilities such as autism. As the world’ s busiest international airport, we recognise the importance of leading by example, and this milestone reinforces our dedication to making travel more compassionate and human-centric for all.”
For several years, Emirates has been on a journey to officially become the world’ s first Autism Certified Airline™, receiving certifications for its check in areas and training more than 30,000 onground staff and cabin crew to support autistic customers in a myriad of ways.
Adel Al Redha, deputy president, and chief operations officer, Emirates, said:“ Emirates has been driving progress in accessible travel for several years, in a mission to make the travel experience
|
more inclusive. In April 2024, Emirates received Certified Autism Center™ Designations for our Dubai Check In facilities, including at our dedicated hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. A year later, we are the world’ s first autism certified airline – with more than 30,000 cabin crew and airport staff trained to support customers with autism. These significant achievements help build a strong foundation for Dubai to be celebrated as the first certified autism destination in the Eastern Hemisphere – giving travellers confidence that their journey to and from our iconic city will be supported. We continue to work hand in hand with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism to create lasting change, break barriers, and be recognised as a world leading accessible destination. We have a social and professional responsibility to facilitate the travel journey for our autistic passengers.”
Support from attractions and landmarks throughout the city has also been paramount to achieving the Certified Autism Destination™ status. A key example is Expo City Dubai, which was designated as a Certified Autism Center™ in December 2024 following an extensive training process for its visitor-facing team on how
|
Top left: DXB Assisted Travel Lounge
Bottom left: Dubai achieving Certified Autism Destination™ status was spearheaded by( DET)
|
best to support autistic and sensorysensitive visitors.
Marjan Faraidooni, chief of education and culture and chief human resources officer, Expo City Dubai, said:“ By becoming a Certified Autism Destination™, Dubai demonstrates the potential to succeed – and thrive – in travel and tourism when accessibility and inclusion are prioritised, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience all Dubai has to offer. We look forward to further collaborations and success stories as we progress on this journey.”
Dubai Holding Entertainment, which offers a range of leisure and entertainment options across Dubai, has a number of attractions that have obtained the Certified Autism Center™ status, including Motiongate Dubai and The Green Planet. The group has outlined a range of plans for more of its destinations to achieve the certification.
Alanood Al Hashemi, vice-president of organisational culture and impact at Dubai Holding Entertainment, said:“ We are proud of Dubai Holding Entertainment ' s contribution to Dubai ' s recognition as a Certified Autism Destination. We are committed to making ongoing efforts to ensure our parks are accessible and enjoyed by as many people as possible.”
To further support inclusivity efforts, all certified locations in Dubai are being featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides travellers with real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. n
n For more information: about travel accessibility in Dubai, visit: visitdubai. com / accessibility
|